ELLOREE — Aficionados of all things tea will want to check out one of the most unique attractions in Orangeburg County, the Tea-Rific Teapot Museum and Tea Room located in the heart of Elloree.

The 3,000-square-foot museum, located at 2732 Cleveland St. behind Boland Pharmacy, houses the late Julian “J” Boland’s collection of more than 5,000 teapots of every size, shape, design and color. They’re from all over the world.

What started as a hobby for Boland 25 years ago grew into the collection of thousands of teapots.

Many were given to Boland and his wife, Sybil, as gifts. Some were bought at flea markets and others were purchased during his trips to other countries including Turkey, the Netherlands, England and India.

Wanting to share the teapots with the public, he opened the Teapot Museum in 2012 with the help of his wife.

Boland died in 2014. The museum was donated to Penny Garrett in September 2018 by Boland's family in honor of Boland's son, Rendy, who was a lover of animals. All proceeds go to “For All Paws,” a non-profit thrift store that supports animal rescues.

Among the highlights of the museum is a 12-foot wooden Noah’s Ark, which serves as home to animal-themed teapots.

It also contains "The Presidents' Corner," "The Bridal Display," "Fruit Stand," "Christmas Display" and "Teapot Town" to name a few.

The entrance to the museum is a huge, 20-foot wooden blue teapot.

But a visit to Tea-rific is more than just a visit to a museum. Guests can have coffee as well as pastries and enjoy drinking tea in the museum's tea room.

The museum also has antiques and collectibles for sale.

The museum has been voted as one of the top 15 day trips in the state.

Tours of the museum are $6. Tours, tea and sweets are $12. The museum is open for tours Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday by appointment.

Appointments are suggested for those wanting to visit the museum. The tour of the museum is interactive. Guests are sent on a “scavenger hunt” to search for the various teapots housed within.

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